What is dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
Dorzolamide ophthalmic reduces the amount of fluid in the eye, which decreases pressure inside
the eye. Timolol ophthalmic is a beta-blocker that also reduces pressure inside the eye.
The combination of dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic is used to treat certain types of
glaucoma and other causes of high pressure inside the eye.
Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic may also be used for other purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to dorzolamide (Trusopt) or timolol
(Blocadren, Betimol, Istalol, Timoptic), or if you have:
-
asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
-
certain heart conditions, especially "AV block";
-
a heart rhythm disorder; or
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severe or uncontrolled congestive heart failure.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely use dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic:
-
breathing problems such as bronchitis or emphysema;
-
a history of heart disease or congestive heart failure;
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diabetes;
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a muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis;
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kidney disease;
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liver disease; or
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a thyroid disorder.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether dorzolamide and
timolol ophthalmic is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not use this medicine for a child younger than 2 years old.
How should I take dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
Do not use this medication while you are wearing contact lenses. This medication may
contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses. Wait at least 15 minutes after using
the eye drops before putting your contact lenses in.
Use dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the
medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the
instructions on your prescription label.
Wash your hands before using the eye drops.
To apply the eye drops:
-
Tilt your head back slightly and pull down on the lower eyelid to
create a small pocket. Hold the dropper above the eye with the dropper tip down. Look up and
away from the dropper. Squeeze out a drop and close your eye. Gently press your finger to the
inside corner of the eye (near the nose) for about 1 minute to keep the liquid from draining into
your tear duct.
-
If you use the drops in both eyes, repeat the steps above in
your other eye. Also wait at least 10 minutes before using any other eye drops that your doctor
has prescribed.
Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or
hands. If the dropper becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to
vision loss or serious damage to the eye.
Do not use this medicine if it has changed colors or has particles in it.
If you need to have any type of surgery, especially eye surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time
that you are using dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic. You may need to stop using the medicine for a
short time.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle
tightly closed when not in use.
What happens if I miss a dose of dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
Use the medication as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the
missed dose and use the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
use
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
Your pharmacist has information about dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side
effects:
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swelling or redness of your eyelids;
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eye redness, discomfort, or sensitivity to light;
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drainage, crusting, or oozing of your eyes or eyelids;
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fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering,
peeling, and red skin rash;
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wheezing, gasping, or other breathing problems;
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swelling, rapid weight gain; or
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feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion.
Less serious side effects may include:
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blurred vision, double vision, drooping eyelid;
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burning or stinging in your eye;
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unusual taste in your mouth;
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stomach or back pain;
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dizziness;
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dry eyes;
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nausea, upset stomach;
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sore throat, stuffy nose; or
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headache, or feeling light-headed.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
Do not allow the dropper to touch any surface, including the eyes or hands. If the dropper
becomes contaminated it could cause an infection in your eye, which can lead to vision loss or serious
damage to the eye.
Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed it for you. If you use
another eye medication, use it at least 10 minutes before or after using dorzolamide and timolol
ophthalmic. Do not use the medications at the same time.
Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do
anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
What should I avoid while taking dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
Dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic can cause blurred vision. Be careful if you drive or do
anything that requires you to be able to see clearly.
Do not use any other eye medication unless your doctor has prescribed it for you. If you use
another eye medication, use it at least 10 minutes before or after using dorzolamide and timolol
ophthalmic. Do not use the medications at the same time.
What other drugs will affect dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
Before using dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic, tell your doctor if you are using any of the
following drugs:
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clonidine (Catapres);
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quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinidex, Quinaglute);
-
reserpine;
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digitalis (digoxin, Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);
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acetazolamide (Diamox) or methazolamide (Neptazane);
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a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic),
carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol
(Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others;
-
a calcium channel blocker such as diltiazem (Tiazac,
Cartia, Cardizem), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat), verapamil (Calan,
Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others; or
-
an antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa),
escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil),
or sertraline (Zoloft).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter
medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other
doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic?
